Prologue

"This is ridiculous, sister!" Celestia stamped her hoof to the ground, rocking the table separating her and her dear sister, Luna. "One thousand years of punishment, and 5 years later, you wish to make the same mistake?"

The tall, white room echoed with the princess's booming voice, emptiness seeming to be pronounced even further. The room was circular and larger than the ordinary full-size apartment in Manehatten, although the only furnishings in it was a small guest bed, a medium sized wooden table, and drapes covering the large window leading out onto the balcony. The rest of the chamber was as pure-white as Celestia's coat.

Luna kept quiet for a few moments before speaking out, sticking out her chest in pride. "The mistake I made was getting sent away for 1000 years. It was not speaking up for what I want and believe in. I know I'm your poor little sister, so innocent and obedient in your eyes, but I'm not that little filly any more, Cell-… Celestia." She held her ground firmly, although there was doubt in her eyes as she spoke.

The white alicorn planted herself onto the ground in front of the table, sighing as she lowered herself. "I just don't get what you want this time… Last time, you were jealous because not enough ponies liked your beautiful nights. But that's not it this time, is it?"

Luna turned her flank towards the princess, smirking. She felt so much more confident than she did when she first came back from her lunar prison. "Ah, so you did become less oblivious while I was gone? No, it's not because I'm jealous, that's quite trivial."

"You know, Luna, you don't have to try to sound elegant."

Luna snapped her head back to Celestia, yelling strikingly, "Shut up!" Turning her body back around to face directly to the alicorn, Luna furrowed her brows and lowered her head in fury. "You always act like I'm a tiny little kid, like always! You may be trying to make up for the one thousand years you sent me away but IT'S NOT WORKING!" She slammed her hoof as loud as possible against the tile flooring at her last word, huffing with exasperation. Again, the room echoed, repeating her words and noises of frustration like a vast canyon.

Celestia replied regrettably, "I'm… I'm sorry, sister, if I offended y-"

"And you don't need to sound so noble." Luna stuck her chest back out, regaining her composure. "Now… Where was I? Oh, yes."

"No, I'm not jealous of your day, nor do I feel underappreciated of my night. It's not feelings in the way this time, nor is anything really in the way. I would more explain it as an opening for opportunity. I want to do something instead of just raise the moon. I am royalty, after all." She flipped her mane back out of her eyes, although it seemed less to see better and more to look graceful. "I want to lead. Command, guide, authorize, however you want to state it. I want to be part of something like that."

She stamped her hoof onto the ground for a third time, this time more passively. "And you're not going to stop me this time."

Celestia stared at her sister, contemplating her request, beginning to tap her hoof on her chin. "I understand your request, sister… But why must there be eternal night for that? I see no reason, as you could lead alongside m-"

"And that's exactly what I expected your response would be, Celestia," Luna interrupted. "You've always been quite "fair", sister. Somepony robs from another, you give minimal time but are able to convert his ways. Somepony murders, you do the same as with the robbery and are able to turn a cold-blooded killer into a respectable citizen. You are able to make ponies change. Somepony wants some more attention… You send them to the moon."

The white alicorn stood to protest, growing stern. "Now, Luna, we've talked about that much before. You know as much as I do that-"

"Oh, Celestia, you're back to being that naïve sister I know… And loved. Notice the tense. You've changed as well as I. But, as I've said before, I am not letting you stand in my way anymore. Either you abide to my requests, or we're going to have a problem larger than just us two. Possibly a problem bigger than Equestria itself." She turned around once again, the curtains in front of the large window beginning to blow dark blue before being pulled to the side, allowing Luna to open the door nearly simultaneously with the drapes. Her front two hooves touched the stone of the balcony before she spoke out without turning her head.

"So, how will it be… Celestia? Allow the moon to be up once and for all?... Or put the fate of Equestria at risk from another threat?"

Celestia attempted to stay calm, but her voice cracked as she spoke back. "I do not see why it has to happen like this, as I don't see any reason to leave the moon up. Surely you don't mean this." It was happening again, just like 1005 years ago. Even with all the years she had under her saddle, that one day stuck out to the princess. Her mind swam through the muddy waters of that dreadful memory, waiting for her sister's reply. "Just stay and we can talk this out… Because I'm still unsure of what you're doing."

Without tone or any sign of emotion, Luna replied, "Just answer the question, Celestia."

The room fell deathly silent. The wind could be heard from outside, steady yet strong enough to be more than just a gentle breeze. The night sky was now visible, the starry sky dimmed from the lights of Canterlot, only the brightest stars peeking out from beneath the dark blanket. The moon was blacked out this night, blotted out like an artist messed up on canvas.

The white horse sighed, looking down at her hooves. "Luna… I'm not going to let you do that. I can't let you do this to Eq-"

Luna interrupted, "Know this is upon your shoulders, Celestia. It was your choice, not mine." The young princess walked out onto the balcony where she spread her wings, and flew off as quickly as a small sparrow.

The princess wasn't sure of how this would end up, or even begin, but she did know that she had to get prepared for the worst. There has only been one other war existent in Equestrian history, between the princesses and Discord, and there seemed to be another one on the horizon. Blood may be spilt, and to Celestia, it was a trifling cause, but it was going to happen.

Celestia sat there, dumbfounded by the quick turn of personality from her sister. Using her magic to grab a quill and paper, she began jotting down a note that would go straight to her most loyal subject and most trusted student: Twilight Sparkle.

Dear Twilight Sparkle,

As you may have noticed, the moon has been up for more than a day, and the sun hasn't reached the horizon. My sister and I have recently got into a fight, and I'm giving you a warning of the possible incoming situations. After reading this letter, I will want you to gather the Elements of Harmony as soon as possible. It's of the most critical importance.

Luna has grown unreasonable and defiant, not listening to me as I tell her to lower the moon. I talked to her tonight, and she continued to refuse until she flew off the balcony. I am unsure as where she has gone, although it will only be a matter of time until we know. Luna stated that she wishes to lead and command and I fear that she means that statement in the military sense.

If I am correct about this, it is likely that she may gather a force. A threat by a force towards the Royal Guard will only result in one outcome: War. This is why I want you to gather the Elements. There are ways we could win this incoming war with your help, and that shall be the quickest way to victory. As soon as the Elements have gathered, travel to Canterlot as swiftly as you can.

And I warn you now: You six WILL have to fight. It will change the way you think of soldiers, of war, and of Equestria itself, possibly. This is the true moment where you can harness your element, and become a true mare. You're no longer a filly, and all of Equestria will realize this soon enough.

Whatever happens in the next few years, I am proud to say that you're my student, Twilight Sparkle, and I know you will make it far in your lifetime.

Sincerely,

Princess Celestia